After the birth of my daughter I was having a really hard time. I was struggling physically (for the for the first couple of weeks I couldn't hold her at all, and for months beyond that I could only hold her for short periods of time). Because of this, I was struggling with a lingering bit of depression as well. On top of that, Aria had cholic for almost her whole first year and rarely napped during the day. My dad was my lifeline during that time. He was going through a difficult time then, too. His tile jobs had all but stopped, and he was forced to take a job with Direct TV. It is strange how dark times can bring about cherished memories and blessings you never see coming. Since he was on Direct TV's schedule, he had to work weekends, but had most Wednesdays off. For months, he would help me every Wednesday he could. He would spend the gas money and take the time to meet me wherever I wanted or needed to go. Sometimes it was a trip to walk Aria around the little park by my chiropractor during my appointment, or help me during a trip to Target so I wouldn't have to worry about managing Aria or carrying anything. Sometimes it was a quick visit, even for just 10 minutes at our house in Tacoma, or just meeting for lunch at Subway. Sometimes I would go to him and he would watch Aria so I could take a nap. The very best day was the day he said he had found a fun park in Gig Harbor that he wanted to take Aria to. We spent hours here, first with Aria running around the park, then we decided to put Aria in the stroller and walk around the extensive trails that were in the woods by the park. Dad had said he couldn't stay too long, but when Aria actually fell asleep in the stroller (which hardly ever happened), we ended up walking for another hour or two, just talking, getting lost for a short period of time. It was not only one of the best Wednesday Dude days, but one of my favorite days ever. No matter how difficult my week had been, I knew that I would have a break to laugh and talk and have a break with my dad, or "Wednesday Dude". He called himself Wednesday Dude at this time, because since Aria was so young, he said that every time she saw him she would think "Oh, it must be Wednesday, there is that dude again". I am so thankful to him for those days and memories.  

Gary's often zany sense of humor was legendary. One of my favorites is the time he was driving a carload of folks on a return trip from a family gathering: it was late & he decided to play a little joke on Kathy, so he closed his right eye while of course keeping his left eye open. Kathy glanced over to her left & saw the closed eye. Naturally, she was startled, thinking he'd dozed off at the wheel! She yelled & reached over to grab his arm to awaken him. Gary stayed stock still for a couple of seconds, then turned to her & laughed! He was one of the most naturally-funny people I've ever known. The world was a better place because of his presence, and, although I haven't seen him in many years, I'll always love him. Rest in peace, good man!